Charlie Bird and his wife Claire said his battle with motor neurone disease has brought them ‘closer’ as a couple - as they opened up on the struggles of life with the condition ‘behind closed doors’.
The veteran RTE broadcaster was diagnosed with MND in October 2021 and has been candid about his deteriorating health ever since, including the devastating loss of his voice.
Charlie now communicates using cutting edge voice technology in own voice and accent using clips from the RTE archive, with the help of his devoted partner Claire.
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And whilst the couple admit the road has not been easy since his diagnosis, the pair, who have been together for almost two decades, said their bond is stronger than ever as they help each other through their struggles each day.
Claire told Irish Daily Mirror: “We know how to communicate regardless of Charlie not being verbal, we communicate in our own way, we write, and we understand each other inside out.
“It has definitely brought us much closer, and given us a big understanding of life and to appreciate life, and we do appreciate life more and our friends."
Claire said they like to stay positive but admits it isn't always easy.
"And when we go home, people don’t realise what it is like behind closed doors and all of the day to day things that we struggle with.
On her husband's current state of health, she went on: “It affects his swallow and eating habits.
“Charlie has a good few coughing fits and it is something he has no control over, so when he is out at something like this he is always aware it could happen, but we know each other so well, I understand him so well, and you need to be. Isn’t that right Bird?,” she added, looking at her husband dearly.
The couple sat down to speak after Charlie officially opened Pieta’s newest centre in Swords, Co Dublin, and unveiled of The Charlie Bird Therapy Room in dedication to his ‘Climb with Charlie’ initiative which raised €1.6 million for the suicide prevention charity earlier this year.
The couple and their beloved dog Tiger, who was also in attendance, were also presented with a hand painted portrait of Charlie and his precious pouch.
As Charlie fought back tears as he was presented with the painting, Claire told of the significance of such a gesture.
“It’s always Charlie and Tiger,” she said, dubbing their four legged furry friend a saviour since Charlie’s heartbreaking terminal diagnosis.
“Tiger comes everywhere and he is such a great support to Charlie.
“Because obviously with MND, you need it. You need to have your own time. Like he gives so much therapy to Bird.
“Ah he is unbelievable,” she went on.
“Because obviously when we are all out and about it is all positive but you know when we go home Charlie obviously has his medical issues and trying to keep our head above water, and this little fella, you just have to pat him and you feel better. Ah the comfort, he’s been amazing.
“And I think without Tiger, it would be a harder journey Bird, wouldn’t it. Absolutely.
“It’s a very hard disease, you know, you do need a lot of support, and a little therapy dog is so important.
“And for us, it is really good to keep busy,” she added.
“An absolute focus. I mean Charlie has always been focused in life, but to be as focused as he is and suffering with MND, it definitely helps. Absolutely, you need it.
“People who aren’t busy with MND I’d say find it very hard.”
Charlie nodded in agreement, and insisted that his main focus continues to be ‘extending the hand of friendship’ to those in need.
The veteran journalist and presenter has been working tirelessly ever since his diagnosis and has raised €3.4 million for Pieta and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association through his campaign, Climb with Charlie.
As he proudly cut the ribbon at the doors of Pieta’s new Dublin centre, which has one of their five therapy rooms named after him, Charlie, 73, spoke of his passion to continue helping others whilst he can.
“In my life I have personally known five people who have died by suicide,” he said, as he opened up on why he holds Pieta so dear to his heart.
“One of them was a close working colleague, and the other was the son of a very high profile person as well.
“The work that Pieta does is so important.
“When I got my diagnosis of my terminal illness this time last year, I made a mad suggestion on the Late Late Show that I wanted to climb Croagh Patrick.
“And the organisation I wanted to help was obviously the Irish Motor Neurone Disease association, but also Pieta. They are two important charities that are close to my heart.
“I want to promise you here this morning, while I am still alive and mobile, I want to continue supporting the incredible work of Pieta.”
“Remember we never know who could be in a dark place struggling with their own personal mountains to climb everyday. So I want to continue extending the hand of friendship while I still can," the Dubliner added.
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